Live Theater

I recently heard someone say we will all be crying the first time we return to a live theatrical production and stand for our first standing ovation in over a year. That thought was in my mind while attending Notre Dame's production of Godspell -- a show they have now done three times over their history.

Prior to attending the show we were asked to fill out a health self-assessment, which was checked out before we were allowed into the lobby. In the lobby we showed our ticket information on our phones (or printed out). No tickets. No programs. Programs were accessed by a QR code (making it hard to study during the show).

Their 1,000+ theater was roped off to allow only 180 patrons. We were lucky to get a seat.

See how empty the theater is? That is on purpose.

Rather than a cast of thousands, there were only 35 students on stage, plus two stage mangers (instead of four), no props person, no scene changes, and a pit orchestra consisting of the head of the department and his two sons. There were very few costume changes, and likely no wigs. For Notre Dame that is bare bones.

We also gave up intermission. At the hour and twenty minute mark instead of an intermission we were invited to stand and stretch in our seats while the students sang a reprise of a song. The show ran over two hours. We were asked to go outside to wait for our students (instead of in the lobby as in the past). There was no 50/50. No concession sales.

I did note, there was also very little fidgeting. No coughing. No sneezing. Those there respected that we were privileged to be able to see a live production and we were not ruining it for future audiences. 

No one will say this was their best performance. On the other hand, with so few schools and theaters performing live in New Jersey, it was the best show we have seen in person in over a year. The students had a chance to perform (they were all wearing at least one mask).

It was so good seeing familiar faces and having casual conversations again. 

May we move closer to a hopefully and optimistic future every day.